Ron Johnson

Founder of the Apple Stores and Merchandising Leader who brought Design to Target, Ron Johnson is a leading authority on game changing innovation, delivering jaw-dropping customer service, building winning cultures and inspiring teams through meaningful work. He is best known for creating the Apple Stores, the first retail strategy in history to reach $1 billion in annual sales in only three years, and for bringing design to Target by creating the first-ever retail collaboration with architect Michael Graves. A Harvard Business School Graduate and Stanford alumnus, Johnson is an engaging speaker and master storyteller who inspires audiences with his warm, authentic and approachable style.

Widely regarded as one of the boldest retail innovators of the last 30 years, Johnson delivers keynotes with timeless lessons for building cultures that both inspire employees and fuel continuous innovation. Drawing on his unparalleled success leading Apple Stores—and his hard-fought attempt to transform JCPenney into “America’s Favorite Store”—Johnson shares insights that leave audiences emboldened and transformed.

Johnson’s book, "Shop Different," will be published in 2026 on the 25th anniversary of the first Apple Store. He has been featured in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, the Financial Times, Fortune, and USA Today, among many other publications. A frequent guest on CNBC and Fox Business Network, Johnson has delivered keynotes on the world’s biggest stages and inspired countless companies as a sought-after motivational speaker.